Ever thought about what happens to your old phone or laptop once you’re done with it? Or wondered whether recycling alone is enough to tackle our growing waste problem? Today marks Global Recycling Day, a recycling initiative that encourages us to rethink waste. Let's dive into the world of repair and why it holds the key to a more sustainable future.
As we celebrate this day, it's crucial to delve deeper into the principles of the circular economy, where both recycling and repair are important pillars. While recycling has often been seen as the go-to solution for waste management, experts reveal that repair is often better than recycling and that it is a significant driver for sustainable change.
Why is repair often better than recycling?
According to Conny Bakker, professor of Circular and Sustainable Design at Delft University of Technology, it is because repair recognises the importance of lost raw material and the environmental damage that is imposed when products are manufactured from extracted materials, whereas recycling just focuses on converting waste into materials that can be reused.
Moreover, repair is not just about patching up old stuff – it is about driving innovation and creativity. When products are designed with repair in mind, it opens up a whole new world of possibilities for sustainable design. By embracing repair culture, we are not just fixing broken things; we are laying the groundwork for entirely new industries and business models.
However, Bakker says, ‘It is not just that companies must design better products. It is also up to us, consumers, to understand and appreciate the value of repair. If we do not change the consumer’s mindset, no amount of repair legislation or product repairability will have real, lasting effect.’
Choosing quality over quantity
That is why we must choose quality over quantity. Repair encourages us to shift away from the throwaway culture and invest in products built to last. When we prioritize repairability, we are making more mindful choices about what we buy and how often we replace things. Understanding the value of repair helps us become more conscious consumers, making choices that are better for both us and the planet.
On Global Recycling Day, it is important to recognize the essential role of repair in advancing circular economy principles. While recycling remains a vital component of waste management, repair offers a different kind of solution—one that is rooted in resourcefulness and innovation. By prioritizing repair over recycling, we not only help the environment but also create a more sustainable future for generations to come. So, the next time your phone or laptop (or something else) breaks, don't just toss it out. Consider giving repair a chance!
Interested in learning more about repair as a circular strategy?
Read our white paper “Repair in the Circular Economy” in which experts, like Conny Bakker, share their perspectives and stories on how we can use repair as a driver for the circular economy.